The Appalachian Athletic Conference was ultra-competitive this spring. It also produced some professional talent.
The NAIA league that includes King College, Virginia Intermont and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise had two players picked on day two of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft on Friday afternoon.
Union (Ky.) College pitcher Marty Popham was picked in the 20th round (621st overall) by the Cleveland Indians. The right-hander starred for the Bulldogs as they won the NAIA Region XII title and reached the NAIA World Series.
Tennessee Wesleyan shortstop Vladimir Frias was selected in the 30th round (897th overall) by the San Francisco Giants. Frias was the AAC player of the year.
There were other players with local connections taken in the 50-round event.
Roanoke native Mikey O’Brien was a ninth round pick by the New York Yankees. The Hidden Valley High School pitcher threw a one-hit shutout against Richlands in the semifinals of the Region IV tournament last month.
Walters State Community College in nearby Morristown, Tenn. was well-represented in the draft. The Senators had six players selected on the second day.
The Chicago White Sox made Mississippi catcher Brett Basham, who has relatives in Bristol, a 16th round pick when they chose him with the 480th overall selection.
Meanwhile, the University of Virginia had three players selected on day one of the draft on Thursday. Former Tunstall High School pitcher and current Cavalier Jacob Thompson went to the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round.
thayes@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2570
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement